A matching transformer‐less inrush current suppressor for transformers using a series‐connected small‐rated voltage‐source PWM converter—consideration of the control gains and required ratings of the PWM converter

This paper proposes a new inrush current suppressor using a series‐connected small‐rated PWM converter for a transformer. The PWM converter is directly connected in series between the source and transformer without a matching transformer. The inrush phenomena of the matching transformer, thus, can be avoided. The control gain and required ratings of the series‐connected small‐rated PWM converter are discussed in detail. The capacity of the DC capacitor of the PWM converter is also discussed considering the active power flows into the PWM converter. The PSCAD/EMTDC is used to verify the validity of the proposed inrush current suppressor. A prototype experimental model is constructed and tested. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed suppressor can perfectly overcome the inrush phenomena of transformers. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 160(3): 45–55, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www. interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20374     

A new method of damping harmonic resonance at the DC link in a large‐capacity rectifier‐inverter system

This paper proposes a new method of damping harmonic resonance in the DC link of a large‐capacity rectifier‐inverter system, such as in rapid‐transit railways. A voltage‐source PWM converter is connected in series to the DC capacitor of the rectifier through a matching transformer, acting as a damping resistor to the DC capacitor current. No filters are needed to extract harmonic components from the DC capacitor current. This results in a quick response and highly stable damping. The relationship between the control gain of the PWM converter and the required rating is theoretically discussed. We show that the required rating is less than one‐thousandth of that previously proposed. In particular, regenerating the power consumed by the PWM converter is very important because of the large power in practical systems. Normally, an additional PWM inverter is connected to the DC bus of the PWM converter to regenerate the consumed power. The additional inverter regenerates the DC power to the AC source through a transformer. This method, however, makes the damping circuit complex, thus the proposed method for the DC‐link harmonic resonance is less practicable. In this paper, a simple and novel scheme that utilizes the DC‐link voltage of the rectifier as a DC source for the PWM converter is proposed. The excellent practicability of the proposed damping method with the novel regenerating scheme is confirmed using digital computer simulation. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 144(2): 53–62, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.10172     

An active‐passive capacitor‐commutated converter for HVDC systems with a three‐phase voltage‐source PWM converter

This paper introduces a new approach to the capacitor‐commutated converters (CCCs) for HVDC systems. A small‐rated three‐phase voltage‐source PWM converter is connected between a series commutation capacitor and thyristor converter through matching transformers. The PWM converter acts as auxiliary commutation‐capacitor for the thyristor converter while the series passive capacitor acts as the main commutation capacitor. The capacitance, which is the sum of the small‐rated active and series passive capacitors, is variable, so that stable commutation is obtained. In CCCs, commutation failure occurs when the AC bus voltage is recovered whereas the proposed combined commutation‐capacitor can achieve successful commutation for both rapidly decreasing and increasing AC bus voltages. The basic principle of the proposed active–passive capacitor‐commutated converter is discussed in detail. Then, constant margin angle control with a constant firing angle of the thyristor converter is proposed using a function generator block. Digital simulation demonstrates the novelty and effectiveness of the proposed active–passive capacitor‐commutated converter. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 151(1): 66–75, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20030     

A novel induction generator system using bi‐directional PWM converter for small‐scale power applications

This paper presents a deadbeat current control structure for a bidirectional power flow pulse‐width modulation (PWM) converter connected to a stand‐alone induction generator (IG), which works with variable speed and different types of loads. Sensorless control of the IG, meaning stator voltage vector control without a mechanical shaft sensor, is considered to regulate both the IG line‐to‐line voltage and the DC‐bus voltage of the PWM converter. In the proposed system, a newly designed phase locked loop (PLL) circuit is used to determine the stator voltage vector position of the IG. A 2.2 kW laboratory prototype has been built to confirm the feasibility of the proposed method. The proposed cost‐effective IG system with a deadbeat current‐controlled PWM converter and capacitor bank requires only three sensors. Moreover, the required rating of the PWM converter becomes smaller due to the existence of the capacitor bank. © 2006 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

A novel prototype of auxiliary edge resonant bridge leg link snubber‐assisted soft‐switching sine‐wave PWM inverter

This paper proposes a new circuit topology of the three‐phase soft‐switching PWM inverter and PFC converter using IGBT power modules, which has the improved active auxiliary switch and edge resonant bridge leg‐commutation‐link soft‐switching snubber circuit with pulse current regenerative feedback loop as compared with the typical auxiliary resonant pole snubber discussed previously. This three‐phase soft‐switching PWM double converter is more suitable and acceptable for a large‐capacity uninterruptible power supply, PFC converter, utility‐interactive bidirectional converter, and so forth. In this paper, the soft‐switching operation and optimum circuit design of the novel type active auxiliary edge resonant bridge leg commutation link snubber treated here are described for high‐power applications. Both the main active power switches and the auxiliary active power switches achieve soft switching under the principles of ZVS or ZCS in this three‐phase inverter switching. This three‐phase soft‐switching commutation scheme can effectively minimize the switching surge‐related electromagnetic noise and the switching power losses of the power semiconductor devices; IGBTs and modules used here. This three‐phase inverter and rectifier coupled double converter system does not need any sensing circuit and its peripheral logic control circuits to detect the voltage or the current and does not require any unwanted chemical electrolytic capacitor to make the neutral point of the DC power supply voltage source. The performances of this power conditioner are proved on the basis of the experimental and simulation results. Because the power semiconductor switches (IGBT module packages) have a trade‐off relation in the switching fall time and tail current interval characteristics as well as the conductive saturation voltage characteristics, this three‐phase soft‐switching PWM double converter can improve actual efficiency in the output power ranges with a trench gate controlled MOS power semiconductor device which is much improved regarding low saturation voltage. The effectiveness of this is verified from a practical point of view. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 155(4): 64–76, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20207     

Implementation of parallel zero‐voltage switching converter with series‐connected transformers

This paper presents a parallel zero‐voltage switching (ZVS) DC–DC converter with series‐connected transformers. In order to increase output power, two transformers connected in series are used in the proposed converter. Two buck‐type converters connected in parallel have the same switching devices. The primary windings of series‐connected transformers can achieve the balanced secondary winding currents. The current doubler rectifiers with ripple current cancellation are connected in parallel at the output side to reduce the current stress of the secondary winding. Thus, the current ripple on the output capacitor is reduced, and the size of the output choke and output capacitor are reduced. Only two switches are used in the proposed circuit instead of four switches in the conventional parallel ZVS converter to achieve ZVS and output current sharing. Therefore, the proposed converter has less power switches. The ZVS turn‐on is implemented during the commutation stage of two complementary switches such that the switching losses and thermal stresses on the semiconductors are reduced. Experimental results for a 528‐W (48 V/11 A) prototype are presented to prove the theoretical analysis and circuit performance. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Carrier phase error detection method and synchronization control of parallel‐connected PWM inverters without signal line

In recent years, parallel operation of inverters is employed to increase reliability and capacity in an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system. A phase error in PWM carrier‐signals of each inverter causes high‐frequency loop current between inverters. Therefore, the PWM carrier‐signal of each inverter should be adjusted in phase. This paper proposes a detection method of phase error in PWM carrier‐signal and its application to synchronization control for parallel‐connected inverters. A simple definite‐integral circuit achieves detection of the carrier phase error from high‐frequency loop current using no signal line between inverters. The detected carrier phase error is applied to synchronize the PWM carrier‐signal through a PI compensator, and then the high‐frequency loop current can be suppressed. Several experimental test results show the validity of the proposed detection method and synchronization control. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 157(1): 63– 71, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( http://www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20143     

A self‐commutated back‐to‐back system and its performance under a single line‐to‐ground fault condition

This paper deals with a self‐commutated BTB (Back‐To‐Back) system for the purpose of power flow control and/or frequency change in transmission systems. Each BTB unit consists of two sets of 16 three‐phase voltage‐source converters, and their AC terminals are connected in series to each other via 16 three‐phase transformers. Hence, the BTB unit uses totally 192 switching devices capable of achieving gate commutation. This results in a great reduction of voltage and current harmonics without performing PWM control. Simulation results verify the validity of the proposed system configuration and control scheme not only under a normal operating condition but also under a single line‐to‐ground fault condition. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 143(3): 68–78, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.10124     

A Method for Estimating the Current–Flux Curve of a Single‐Phase Transformer for Electromagnetic Transient Simulations of Inrush Currents

When a transformer is energized, inrush currents whose magnitudes may reach tens of its nominal current occur. Since the inrush currents lead to a voltage drop, this may cause stops and malfunctions of electrical appliances. In addition, the overcurrents may cause an unnecessary operation of an overcurrent relay and affect the power quality of the distribution system. Currently, distribution system operators use current‐versus‐time curves of transformer inrush currents for the studies of such phenomena. However, the studies based on the current‐versus‐time curve give approximate results, and studies based on the current‐versus‐flux curve is required so as to obtain accurate results. Considering this point, this report proposes a method to convert a given current‐versus‐time curve to a current‐versus‐flux one for the case of single‐phase transformers. Using the current‐versus‐flux curve obtained, detailed simulations can be performed using an electromagnetic transient analysis program such as XTAP. In this report, the proposed method is validated by experimental results using a single‐phase transformer.     

利用中性点电阻削弱变压器励磁涌流

提出了一种简单且经济的削弱空载合闸变压器励磁涌流的新方法：在变压器中性点串入一电阻,三相延时合空载变压器.通过对该方法下涌流峰值随中性点电阻值变化的曲线进行理论分析,给出了最佳电阻值的表达式.该方法只使用一个电阻,但抑制效果类似于在三相线路中分别串联电阻的方法,且对合闸时间没有很精确的要求.仿真和动模实验结果都验证了该方法的有效性.     

A ZVS‐ZCS phase shift full bridge DC‐DC converter with secondary‐side control for battery charging applications

The output power requirement of battery charging circuits can vary in a wide range, hence making the use of conventional phase shift full bridge DC‐DC converters infeasible because of poor light load efficiency. In this paper, a new ZVS‐ZCS phase shift full bridge topology with secondary‐side active control has been presented for battery charging applications. The proposed circuit uses 2 extra switches in series with the secondary‐side rectifier diodes, operating with phase shift PWM. With the assistance of transformer's magnetizing inductance, the proposed converter maintains zero voltage switching (ZVS) of the primary‐side switches over the entire load range. The secondary‐side switches regulate the output voltage/current and perform zero current switching (ZCS) independent of the amount of load current. The proposed converter exhibits a significantly better light load efficiency as compared with the conventional phase shift full bridge DC‐DC converter. The performance of the proposed converter has been analyzed on a 1‐kW hardware prototype, and experimental results have been included.     

Design and implementation of an interleaved soft‐switching converter with output voltage doubler

An interleaved pulse‐width modulation (PWM) converter with less power switches is presented in this paper. The buck type of active clamp circuit is used to recycle the energy stored in the leakage inductor of a transformer. The zero voltage switching (ZVS) turn‐on of power switches is realized by the resonance during the transition interval of power switches. At the secondary side of transformers, two full‐wave rectifiers with dual‐output configuration are connected in parallel to reduce the current stresses of the secondary windings of transformers. In the proposed converter, power switches can accomplish two functions of the interleaved PWM modulation and active clamp feature at the same time. Therefore, the circuit components in the proposed converter are less than that of the conventional interleaved ZVS forward converter. The operation principle and system analysis of the proposed converter are provided in detail. Experimental results for a 280 W prototype operated at 100 kHz are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed converter. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Novel current‐source multilevel inverter driven by single gate drive power supply

This paper proposes a novel current‐source multilevel inverter, which is based on a current‐source half‐bridge topology. Multilevel inverters are effective for reducing harmonic distortion in the output voltage and the output current. However, the multilevel inverters require many gate drive power supplies to drive switching devices. The gate drive circuits using a bootstrap circuit and a pulse transformer can reduce the number of the gate drive power supplies, but the pulse width of the output PWM waveform is limited. Furthermore, high‐speed power switching devices are indispensable to create a high‐frequency power converter, but various problems, such as high‐frequency noise, arise due to the high dv/dt rate, especially in high‐side switching devices. The proposed current‐source multilevel inverter is composed of a common emitter topology for all switching devices. Therefore, it is possible to operate it with a single power supply for the gate drive circuit, which allows stabilizing the potential level of all the drive circuits. In this paper, the effectiveness of the proposed circuit is verified through experimental results. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 166(2): 88–95, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20475     

Three‐stage inrush current suppressed circuit for BCM boost converter

A three‐stage inrush‐current suppression circuit is proposed for the boundary conduction mode boost circuit, which not only can suppress the first inrush current when powered on in the boost topology but also can suppress the secondary inrush current caused by the working of the boost circuit; the inrush current caused by the electromagnetic interference filter can also be suppressed. The simulations are performed to prove the rightness and feasibility of the circuit, and the circuit is used in a 1000‐W two‐stage electronic ballast for the metal halide lamp. In the experiment, the first inrush current is nearly 0 A, and the second inrush current is less than 12 A. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A three‐phase constant‐current source using an immittance converter

The term immittance converter refers to an impedance–admittance converter. The immittance converter has an input impedance that is proportional to the admittance of the load connected across output terminals. In this converter, the output current is proportional to the input voltage and the input current is proportional to the output voltage. Consequently, it converts a constant‐voltage source into a constant‐current source and a constant‐current source into a constant‐voltage source. It is well known that the quarter wavelength transmission line shows immittance conversion characteristics. However, it has a very long line length for the switching frequency, and is not suitable for power electronics applications. We thus proposed immittance converters that consist of lumped elements L, C and show improved immittance conversion characteristics at a resonant frequency. A three‐phase constant‐current source is proposed in this paper. It is possible to realize this by a simple circuit using an immittance converter. In this paper, circuit operation, characteristic equations, and results of simulation are described. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 151(4): 47–54, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20078     

Pulse current regenerative resonant snubber‐assisted two‐switch flyback‐type ZVS PWM DC‐DC converter

In this paper, a two‐switch high‐frequency flyback transformer‐type zero voltage soft‐switching PWM DC‐DC converter using IGBTs is proposed. Effective applications for this power converter can be found in auxiliary power supplies of rolling stock transportation and electric vehicles. This power converter is basically composed of two active power switches and a flyback high‐frequency transformer. In addition to these, two passive lossless snubbers with power regeneration loops for energy recovery, consisting of a three‐winding auxiliary high‐frequency transformer, auxiliary capacitors and diodes are introduced to achieve zero voltage soft switching from light to full load conditions. Furthermore, this power converter has some advantages such as low cost circuit configuration, simple control scheme, and high efficiency. Its operating principle is described and to determine circuit parameters, some practical design considerations are discussed. The effectiveness of the proposed power converter is evaluated and compared with the hard switching PWM DC‐DC converter from an experimental point of view, and the comparative electromagnetic conduction and radiation noise characteristics of both DC‐DC power converter circuits are also depicted. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 152(3): 74–81, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20081     

A control method to realize sinusoidal input and output current waveforms for matrix converters based on PWM

A matrix converter (MC) is a three‐phase AC‐to‐AC direct converter without any energy storage requirement. It is expected to be a next‐generation converter by reason of possibilities of small size and high efficiency. At present, there are some problems preventing it from being used practically. One of the problems is the distortion in the input current. The control methods proposed so far have not realized sufficient reduction of the input current harmonics compared with conventional PWM rectifiers. As a solution to these problems, many approaches have been proposed. In the present paper, an improved PWM method that can achieve both sinusoidal input and output currents simultaneously is considered. In this method, the MC is treated as a controlled voltage source viewed from the load side. On the other hand, it is treated as a controlled current source viewed from the line side. The proposed control method is based on the mathematical expression of the function of the PWM operation of MC. To improve the input current waveform, two line‐to‐line voltages of the three‐phase line are used to control the output current. The output duty ratio of the two line‐to‐line voltages is utilized to improve the input current waveform without affecting the controllability of the output current. In addition, the compensation of the variations in the line voltage and the output current are introduced. In this way, the proposed method can realize the sinusoidal input and output currents. The effectiveness of the proposed control method is confirmed by some experimental results employing a laboratory prototype. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 161(1): 66–76, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20242     

Newly proposed hybrid resonant commutation bridge‐leg link snubber‐assisted three‐phase ZVZCS‐PWM soft‐switching inverter

This paper presents the newly proposed hybrid resonant commutation bridge‐leg link (HRCB) snubber circuit which can achieve zero voltage and zero current soft‐switching commutation for single‐phase and three‐phase voltage source‐type inverter, along with its unique features and operation principle. The circuit parameter design approach for the HRCB snubber circuit and the determination estimating scheme of the gate pulse timing processing which is more suitable and acceptable for single‐phase and space voltage vector modulated three‐phase voltage source inverter using the HRCB snubber circuit are described in this paper. In particular, the three‐phase voltage source soft‐switching inverter associated with the proposed HRCB circuits are evaluated and discussed from simulation and experimental viewpoints. The practical effectiveness of the HRCB snubber‐assisted three‐phase voltage source soft‐switching inverter using IGBT power modules which is based on the instantaneous space voltage vector modulation is clarified on the output voltage waveform, actual efficiency of electromagnetic noise in comparison with three‐phase voltage source‐type conventional hard‐switching inverter. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 157(4): 75–84, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/eej.20111     

A step‐up PWM DC–DC converter for renewable energy applications

A step‐up pulse width modulation (PWM) direct current (DC)–DC converter is presented in this paper, which has its origin in quasi Z‐source inverter. Analysis of this converter in steady state is presented, and relevant expressions are derived for the proposed converter operating in continuous conduction mode. The power loss expressions for each component of the converter are derived, and thereby, obtained expressions for overall converter efficiency are presented. Further, a dynamic model is derived to design an appropriate controller for this converter. The simulation and experimental results are presented to support the theoretical analysis. The advantages such as continuous input current, high step‐up gain at lower duty ratio, and common ground for source, load, and switch makes the converter suitable for renewable energy applications. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.